Chapter 62: The Feeling of Home

Just after eight-thirty in the morning, Ning Kang called the factory and told Old Li he would be taking the day off. On the other end, Old Li chuckled and said, “It’s Christmas today. My daughter asked for the day off, too. You young people should enjoy yourselves. Don’t worry, there’s nothing urgent at the factory.”

After hanging up, Ning Kang finished his morning routine, took a hot shower, dried his hair, and once again slipped beneath the warm brocade quilt with Lu Jing. Lu Jing, who’d slept less than half an hour the entire night, awoke slowly, her movements languid as she wrapped her arms around Ning Kang’s neck and pressed her dewy lips tightly against his broad chest.

Freed from everyday troubles, Ning Kang held Lu Jing quietly and drifted off to sleep. The weighty mental pressure he had long endured was finally eased today, soothed by Lu Jing’s sincere affection and gentle tenderness. For the first time in a long while, he slept soundly.

When he awoke, it was already four in the afternoon. Hearing the sound of running water in the bathroom, Ning Kang slowly sat up and stretched his arms. He felt not the least bit tired—on the contrary, energy coursed through him, surprising him greatly. He pondered for a moment but found no answer. Shrugging into a robe, he got out of bed. As soon as he stood, a warm current rose from his lower abdomen. Instinctively, he sank his waist, bent his knees, drew in his chest, and rounded his back. The warmth gathered along familiar pathways, rising all the way to his brow before returning to his core, then flowing out to every limb and bone, filling him with exquisite comfort.

Baffled at first, Ning Kang was soon elated. He realized his inner strength had finally advanced. He didn’t know if it was due to the mental strain he’d been under, or the bliss he’d found in Lu Jing’s embrace. Yet the sensation was undeniably real.

Lu Jing emerged from her bath and saw Ning Kang standing by the bed in a strange posture. Watching him from the doorway, she couldn’t help but laugh, “Ning, why are you playing at mysticism as soon as you get up?”

Straightening his knees, rounding his arms, and drawing two graceful arcs with his hands before lowering them to his sides, Ning Kang stepped forward, swept Lu Jing into his arms, pressed a joyful kiss to her cheek, and strode out of the room with exuberance, leaving Lu Jing standing there, stunned for a long moment before murmuring, “How does this man have so much energy?”

After washing and changing into a suit, Ning Kang was radiant as he approached Lu Jing. “Hungry? Let me treat you to dinner!”

Lu Jing gently smoothed the hem of his jacket and brushed his shiny black hair. “Shall we make dinner at home instead? It’s been so long since we cooked together.”

Seeing Ning Kang’s tender nod, Lu Jing happily kissed him, changed clothes, and with a few touches to her appearance, took his arm as they left the house together.

The market was close to their neighborhood, and Lu Jing suggested they walk. In high spirits, Ning Kang agreed at once. Like a golden couple, the two strolled hand in hand, speaking softly to each other, drawing envious glances from passersby.

With a slight blush, Ning Kang asked in a low voice, “So many people are watching us—does it bother you?”

“Not at all. Why should I worry when I’m with my husband?” Lu Jing lifted her chin, looking both content and proud.

Ning Kang was surprised to see this side of her. For the first time, the always reserved and restrained Lu Jing was showing the heart of a little girl in public. After a moment’s thought, he understood and, with exaggerated seriousness, cleared his throat. In an indisputable tone, he declared, “When we get back, you’ll cook a proper meal for me. After dinner, clean everything up and make me some tea. Before bed, give me a massage. Tomorrow morning, I want hot pancakes and fried dough sticks—no excuses. And… that’s all for now. I’ll add more as I think of them.”

Lu Jing burst out laughing, gazing up at him with deep affection. “As long as you’re happy, I’d do anything. But I haven’t learned how to massage yet—why not stop by the bookstore for a book on the subject?”

Ning Kang hadn’t expected such a reply. Seeing the sincerity in her eyes, he was deeply moved. He gently brushed aside the hair the wind had blown across her brow and said softly, “I was teasing you. Don’t worry, I know how to give massages. Tonight, I’ll serve you, all right?”

“Really? Wonderful! After the night you put me through, I’m still sore all over. I’ve been waiting for the old physician’s son to say this for ages.”

Her mischievous smile made Ning Kang shake his head repeatedly. Yet his heart was full of comfort, knowing Lu Jing had finally stepped out from the shadows of her past and into the sunlight, her spirit whole once more.

Their dinner was abundant but not extravagant, delicate and flavorful. Lu Jing’s skilled cooking reminded Ning Kang of his mother—especially the focus and ease, joy and satisfaction Lu Jing displayed in the kitchen. He had often seen the same on his mother’s face. Warm nostalgia mingled with a profound sense of home. Ning Kang knew that only family could offer such genuine devotion, such selfless love. Meeting Lu Jing was his fortune and blessing.

After clearing up and washing, they sat nestled together on the sofa, gentle music playing as they whispered to each other.

“This Christmas reminds me of something,” Lu Jing said dreamily, leaning against him. “There was a time in Shenzhen when I felt lost. For a week, I went to a church, listening to hymns and sermons. I remember the pastor said, ‘Those without religious faith are soulless.’ Afterwards, I kept wondering if my constant sense of emptiness was due to lacking faith. Even now, I don’t understand.”

Ning Kang replied offhandedly, “In truth, many who claim to be religious aren’t truly devout. They don’t have a clear belief, or even know the basic teachings. They simply enjoy the solemn rituals and atmosphere, seeking some comfort for their hearts. Take all those around us who say they’re Buddhist—how many actually follow Buddhist teachings? Most just pursue a way to console or redeem themselves. Burning incense and offering prayers doesn’t make one a Buddhist. For instance, I like the Taoist concept of balancing yin and yang, but you know very well I’m not a Taoist priest, right?”

Lu Jing pinched him in mock annoyance. “Don’t joke around. Tell me—what do you believe in?”

Gently cradling her in his lap, Ning Kang gazed into her eyes and said, “Faith is a vague thing—I’m not sure how to put it. But I do know this: it’s justice, conscience, compassion, and hope that give me the courage to go on. As long as there’s hope in one’s heart, no one falls easily.”

Lu Jing murmured the word “hope” to herself, then pressed a grateful kiss to his lips that lingered long before she stopped. At last, she gazed at him expectantly and asked in a soft voice, “Ning, do you love me?”

Ning Kang didn’t answer. Instead, he inhaled deeply, his expression full of bliss, and lowered himself onto Lu Jing’s ample curves, pressing his face against her heart, nuzzling her tenderly. Then, like a child, he opened his mouth and greedily kissed her, and though Lu Jing sensed his mischief, she was powerless to resist such bold and irresistible affection…